Honda CR-V Review

Opening

In India, the SUV market is dominated by Diesel runners and for obvious reasons. However, there is a small number of petrol SUVs which occupy the niche space. They have been shelved in the nice space as the units sold are too less compared to the diesel competition.

Honda is one company which believes that they offer the best petrol engines with superior technology. It is not just on papers but even the owners of Honda cars vouch for it. The Honda CR-V has been in India since 2003 and has gathered a lot of appreciation since then. It got a facelift along with other upgrades in 2006 and has been selling in decent numbers.

SUVs have become a lot popular and presently there is a range of options available. Honda Cars India Ltd. finally launched the 4th generation CRV with refurnished exterior and interiors. The new version comes in four variants and also boasts of an economy drive mode. Prices start at Rs.19.95 lakhs which is substantially lower than the one offered earlier. We find out more on this grand new offering by Honda

Appearance Exterior

The 4th generation CRV is based on the Grand CRV theme. The new vehicle comes with altered dimensions but the overall essence of the CRV has been left untouched. With the new design, the CRV has got a lot bolder and aggressive in its design language.

The front face has been revisited and the design scissors have chiseled sharp lines on it. Headlights which were just clear lens have been upgraded to HID projectors which also come with headlight washers. The radiator grille has been done very tastefully in chrome and occupies a strong position on the new fascia. Fog lamp scoops have been redesigned as well.

It comes out as a very premium contemporary looking vehicle. The new design is also more aerodynamic compared to the earlier version. The first look at the vehicle from side reminds of some inspiration from the Volvo XC series which is reminiscent at the rear too. On the side profile large 10-spoke 17 inch alloy wheels adds up to the vehicle’s dynamic presence and character.

The company plans to introduce two exterior enhancement kits which are the inspire kit and the elegance kit with the new CRV. These kits will offer different set of enhancement options ranging from stylish radiator grille, chrome tipped exhaust pipe, side step garnish etc etc. When seen from silhouette, the CRV looks more like an extended sedan than an SUV with an extended overhang in the first and the rear half of the vehicle. The door lines are offered in chrome. Rear tail lamps are the class first 3D combination vertically stacked. The rear looks as if pulled out but neatly with a conveniently sized rear windshield.

The CRV does not come across as a mighty off roader but then it looks very strong and dynamic. It looks like a typically European looking vehicle. With the new lines and profiles, the new gen model definitely looks more promising.

Appearance Interior

Carrying forward the trned of offering one of the best premium interiors, the new CRV packs in a combination of premiumness and luxury at one go. With the change in exterior dimensions even the interior cabin space has been changed in order to make the vehicle feel more spacious and roomy.

Inside the cabin, the dual tone Sienna Beige interiors make it look plush and fresh. The new CRV offers a One Motion Drive Down Rear seats with a 60:40 split ratio. With the new arrangement, the rear cargo space has been increased and also approaching the cargo space has got a lot more convenient. The seats descend on the actuation of small levers located near the tailgate.

It has a 5-inch “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) which can be operated via a button on the steering wheel. The display shows necessary information like fuel range, fuel consumption etc. It also acts as a display for the rear parking camera. It has a fantastic resolution and even in dark conditions the display remains good. This screen can be customized with wallpaper.

On the 2.4ATwith AVN (Audio Video Navigation) there is a 6.1” touch screen system with a built in Navigation system. It is very easy and convenient to use and was very helpful in scouting our way back from the review drive. This screen also displays Ipod Connectivity, USB option, Blue Tooth and also doubles up as the rear camera display.

The instrument cluster also has a 3D effect with all the displays arranged in a sporty pattern. There is an eco drive display on the speedometer. There is a change in the light display from (Green to White) to alert the driver about the economical ways to drive. This is a very helpful feature. In comfort, the new CRV fairs well as the headroom space have been increased and so is the legroom. Even for the rear passengers, the cabin is very roomy and functional.

Performance Drive

The new SUV will be offered in 2 engine options. The lightweight and fuel efficient 1997cc SOHC i-VTEC and the powerful 2354cc DOHC i-VTEC engine with a REALTIME 4WD. The new 2.0L engine produces a power of 156PS at 6500 rpm (increased by 13PS) and a torque of 190Nm at 4300 rpm.

On the other hand the beasty 2.4L offers a power of 190PS at 7000 rpm (increased by 29PS) and a torque of 226Nm at 4400 rpm. There is an option of 6 Speed Manual and a 5 Speed Automatic with paddle shift to choose from. The CMVR test results conclude a fuel efficiency figure of 13.7 Km/l for the 2L and 12km/l for the 2.4L engine.

Just above the driver’s right knee, there is an ECON mode button. This mode encourages the driver to drive more efficiently. In this mode, the vehicle will self adjust the performance of the engine, transmission, air conditioning system and the cruise control. The Eco Assist system has illuminated arcs that illustrate if the vehicle is being driven in efficient condition. The displays turn white to show inefficient driving while it turns green which means a more efficient driving.

The CRV has always been the quiet yet solid SUV. The same performance feel is felt in the new vehicle too. This one however feels more smooth and responsive than the earlier iteration. This one comes loaded with features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). It detects instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction.

The Automatic variants are equipped with a Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents the vehicle from rolling on inclines when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear.

Driving the manual 2.0L MT was a delight. The crisp ride and handling paired with the error free transmission is a pleasure. On every shift, the performance kept on getting better. Even the steering wheel is very precise in feedback. Despite the fact that the new model comes with an increased height while driving there is no body roll at all. Even maneuvering this SUV is a more sedan like experience. The rear parking is a true help as the resolution is very strong so the display is not pixilated unlike some competition models.

This one is not a strong off roader but then it manages to gulp in off road decently. The Honda CR-V customer is not one of those who will throw this SUV on sand dunes or challenging surfaces but instead choose it for a leisure weekend trip. The front suspension setup is MacPherson Struts while the rear is a Double Wishbone suspension.

The Grand CRV also has considerably low NVH levels. This has been done by insulating the cabin more effectively. Even the door seals have been worked upon. So in totality it has better isolation, greater body rigidity and an improved suspension setup which has brought down the noise levels significantly.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD and Brake Assist are some of the safety features in the new CRV in addition to Dual Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags and front side airbags with a passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) helps the body absorb all types of impacts especially in term of a frontal crash.

Tech Specs

Features

Competition All Specs

Conclusion

Since 2003, Honda has successfully sold a cumulative total of 13,739 units in India by importing it in the form of completely build unit (CBU) from Japan. It was launched on 12th February 2013 in Delhi.

The 4th generation Honda CR-V will be assembled in India and thus the prices of the new version were brought down considerably. The 2.0L MT starts at Rs.19.95 lakhs (ex-Showroom Delhi). Honda is confident that with the reduction in prices they can still manage to keep the CR-V floatingly in a predominant Diesel SUV market. Another player in the same segment is the Mitsubishi Outlander which even though is a good vehicle does not manage to sell convincing numbers.

Something that works in favor of Honda is its brand image. The target customers of CR-V are not the hardcore SUV type. They are the Sunday Golf Club type niche ones and for such an elite group, the new CR-V can definitely be a fun way of enjoying life.

HondaCR-V ₹ N/A OnwardsCheck On Road Price

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